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Leaving Walmart without paying

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  • 10-13-2005, 01:25 AM
    stupidme
    Leaving Walmart without paying
    Today I did something I've never done before. I left Walmart without paying. I don't know what made me do it, but I know I will never do it again. I just walked right out with my items and got caught by 2 guys in the parking lot. I've never been so humiliated in my life having to walk back through the store with these 2 very rude men. I've lived in this town my whole life (I'm 38) and know alot of people that work there. I was taken into a room where I had profanities yelled at me and they told me they've been waiting to catch me. For me this came as a shock as this has been the first time I've actually done it. I had nothing hidden in my purse, pockets or anything. Just a wicker basket filled with necessities(toothpaste,etc.). It all came to 62.00. The police were called ( I actually knew him) and I was asked to sign a form to never enter another Walmart again. They took my picture, and the officer told me he would be calling me in a couple of weeks. What does this mean? I have never been in any kind of trouble. I don't know what made me do it. I know it's no excuse but I've been under alot of stress. I've had 2 back surgeries in the last 3 years which has kept me off from work, I suffer with depression and panic attacks, which I actually had one while being in this room but they wouldn't take me to my vehicle to let me get a pill until the police got there. I'm going through a breakup with a man I've been with for 10 years and I just can't take it anymore. Now I guess I've got to deal with the consequences. I'm scared to death of what's going to happen. I haven't told anyone or don't plan to cuz I'm so ashamed of myself. Do I call an attorney? I certainly don't have the money. Anyone have any advice? Thanks.
  • 10-13-2005, 11:23 AM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Shoplifting
    If you have no prior record then it would likely benefit you to consult a criminal defense lawyer and to see if there is any way to avoid a criminal conviction. (As the police were involved, you will presumably be charged.) If you cannot afford a lawyer, request a court appointed attorney.
  • 10-13-2005, 04:49 PM
    stupidme
    Thanks for the advice. I just don't understand why I wasn't fingerprinted or anything. Not that I wanted to be. I'm so afraid of jail time, even though it is my first and last time ever getting into trouble. I cooperated and was nice about it all cuz I knew I did something wrong but they were such jerks, and I did tell them there was no need for profanity ( the f word and the one dude called me a bitch for no reason) which I told the officer and he said they were not very business like. I told them there was no need for profanity in front of the officer and they really didn't know what to say. I just don't understand why they said they've been trying to catch me for months. I'm in there quite often and have never done it before. I don't know what made me do it that day but I can't change it. Why did the officer tell me he would be calling me in a couple of weeks? He didn't give me a court date or anything. They just made me sign the paper saying I couldn't come back ever.
  • 10-27-2005, 02:48 AM
    Stupidityensues
    dont worry
    i was in a similar situation at walmart except instead of rude men i had EVIL girls that were practically my age (19) but its ur first offense you should make it out ok.

    if u can scratch up some cash for a criminal defense attorney i would highly recommend it though. i was caught on aug 18 of this year and just today my case was settled. my lawyer got me off on an infraction petty theft and im not sure what kind of record this leaves but the fine was only $250 and i got out of community service and classes.

    you wont go to jail on a first offense...thats for sure. so i wouldnt worry...and im not sure why u didnt receive a citation like i did. it may be possible that u were not cited for the incident...but then again im no expert.

    good luck to you and i hope everything works out for the best.


    **also...if anyone knows what kinda of record or other penalties are included in being charged with infraction petty theft id be MORE than thankful if you told me? just curious to see what i made it out with....thanks!
  • 10-27-2005, 04:02 AM
    cdwjava
    Re: dont worry
    Quote:

    Quoting Stupidityensues
    **also...if anyone knows what kinda of record or other penalties are included in being charged with infraction petty theft id be MORE than thankful if you told me? just curious to see what i made it out with....thanks!

    What specific charge (code section) were you found guilty of?

    - Carl
  • 10-28-2005, 11:22 PM
    stupidme
    Thanks for that. I'm so worried about jail. I still haven't gotten a letter in the mail or anything pertaining to court. I did call the officer that was involved and asked him if I should get a lawyer and he told me ( off the record) that if he were me he'd wait til if and when Walmart was going to send it to the prosecuter. I would assume I should have heard something by now, but who knows. I know I'm a nervous wreck waiting for the mail and phone everyday.
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